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FOOL ME

What better machine to convince the ladies you’re a bad-boy than the 300C SRT? Now with a more expensive trim, flash standard equipment and a diesel engine with improved economy, this Rolls-Royce look-a-like is a bit of a steal…

It’s been around on the show circuit since 2003 and has caused its fair share of controversy due its noble looks and bargain price. Some people see it as a dubious fake while just as many others (us included) happily take our hat off to Chrysler for their courageous design work. Instead of emanating a BMW 5-series or slipstreaming its outline to match the dimensions of an Audi A6 it’s kept its flat vertical face, chain mail grille and hedgerow brushing width. Four years after its official launch and an upgrade was imminent; just a few little changes to the boot lid and rear lamps and the rest of the attention went on the engine and interior.
Of course it’s the diesel engine that hits home with us Brits so that’s what they’re plugging. For 2008 the Mercedes-Benz sourced 3.0-litre unit gets piezo-electric fuel injection and a particulate filter. Off the line it darts to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph, the Touring version adds just a second on to its acceleration time and keeps in the running right up to 139mph. With 376lb ft of tug mountain roads will be a doddle and getting stuck behind bank holiday caravans will be a thing of the past. Not that you’ll want to race, it’s quite a mellow existence in the cabin of a 300C SR-T and for long journeys that’s just what you want.
However if you prefer more of a frantic, fly by the seat of your pants kind of drive then the SRT-8 will be more your bag! This track born equivalent has more muscle than a rhino and a thirst to prove it. In true American lay-it-on-thick style there’s a 6.1-litre 425bhp petrol engine accompanied by 420lb ft of shove. The 0-60mph sprint comes in just 5 seconds and it will go on to a top speed of 168mph if you dare it.
Thankfully the cornering abilities of the 300C SRT are not hampered by the sheer size of the thing. It levers its 1910kg very gracefully, the steering is responsive and body roll is kept in check. Even with 20” wheels the ride is composed and indeed there’s plenty of surface area to maximise traction. As well as these wheels the 2008 SRT borrows the chrome detailing from the SRT-8 and also the sports seats and leather steering wheel.
There are a few elements of ‘faking it’ for the interior but the mock carbon fibre is a good look and the centre console is also softer to the touch. Bargain bin plastics are back where they belong and what you’ve got now is a vibrant, tactile cabin. Standard equipment may also impress you especially as the new improved ‘MyGig’ infotainment system has a high resolution screen, is easy to get to grips with, has a 20gb hard drive for storing music and incorporates touch screen sat-nav as well as being Bluetooth compatible.
Owning and running a Chrysler 300C SRT has obvious benefits not least its fair residual values and the Mercedes-Benz engine. Fuel consumption on a combined cycle is 34.9mpg but it still performs when you need it to. You’ll always feel like a celebrity in it and despite being dubbed an imitation Rolls, it needed have to fool you as it has innovation in its own right.

Verdict

FOR: Its impact within its class is second to none, it’s priced in the same bracket as an M3 and standard equipment is very decent.
AGAINST: German rivals still have the edge when it comes to driving flair, looking at it from the outside you’d expect to have room to lie down inside but it’s more compact than you’d think.
CONCLUSION: If you can carry off all its bling and reverence then snap it up. Over 6,000 have already been given extensive road tests by owners and the general consensus is favourable.

Spec

ENGINE: 3.0-litre CRD
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 215
POWER: 215bhp
TORQUE (lb/ft): 376lb ft
0-60mph (sec): 7.6
TOP SPEED: 143
MPG: /-/-/34.9 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: Four speed automatic
WHEELS: 20″
PRICE: £27,495
RIVALS: BMW 5-series, Audi A6, Lexus GS